How to Pack a Hiking Go-Bag || REI, by REI on YouTube. 7 min 37 s.
- Video length
- 7 min 37 s
- Time to do it
- 30 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Pick a small daypack, around 20 to 25 litres, that fits your back and has a couple of side pockets. Leave it packed so you can grab it and go.
Sort your gear into the Ten Essentials: navigation, sun protection, insulation, light, first aid, fire, repair kit, food, water and emergency shelter. These are the items you carry on every hike.
Put water in first. A filter bottle lets you refill from streams and taps on the way instead of carrying heavy litres from home.
Add your safety items low and in the middle: first aid kit, small knife or multi-tool, headlamp with fresh batteries, and a lighter.
Pack a warm layer and a rain shell, even on a sunny day. Weather changes fast on ridges and in shade.
Group small loose items in a packing cube or stuff sack so you can find them without emptying the whole bag on the trail.
Put snacks and your buff or hat in the top pocket or lid where you can reach them without stopping to dig.
Hang the bag by your door and check it before each hike. Swap out eaten snacks, refill water and replace dead batteries.
Tips and common mistakes
Keep the go-bag loaded between hikes so a last-minute walk does not turn into a packing session.
Check the headlamp batteries every few months, since a dead light is useless in an emergency.
Weigh the bag once it is full. If it feels heavy for a short day hike, take out the extras you never use.
Questions
What is a hiking go-bag?
It is a pre-packed daypack holding water, layers, snacks and safety basics. You keep it ready so you can head out on a short hike without packing from scratch.
Do I need a water filter on a day hike?
Not always, but it helps on trails with streams or refill points. It lets you carry less water and top up along the way.
How heavy should a day hiking pack be?
Light enough to walk comfortably for a few hours. Start with the essentials and add only what you actually used on your last trip.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
